Huano Elf vs. Outemu Red Panda
An in-depth look at the Huano Elf and the Outemu Red Panda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to customizing your mechanical keyboard, the choice of switch can dramatically affect your typing experience, and two notable contenders are the Huano Elf and the Outemu Red Panda. The Elf switches are characterized by their linear design, featuring a POK top housing that enhances acoustics, resulting in a deep sound signature and a medium-light actuation feel. This makes them a great option for those who prefer smooth and uninterrupted keystrokes without tactile feedback, ideal for fast typists and gamers seeking speed and fluidity. In contrast, the Red Panda switches are registered as tactile switches, offering a light to medium amount of tactility that provides discernible feedback with each press. Their unique sound profile—a bassier, raindrop-like bottom-out sound combined with a clackier, higher-pitched top-out sound—adds an engaging auditory element that many typists find enjoyable. Ultimately, whether you favor the smooth action of the Elf or the satisfying feedback of the Red Panda will depend on your personal preferences and typing style; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that's right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Huano Elf and the Outemu Red Panda switches present both similarities and notable contrasts that contribute to their respective sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Elf utilizes a polyketone (POK) material for its top housing, which is recognized for its low coefficient of friction (0.04) and exceptional durability, boasting wear resistance that is significantly stronger than that of POM. This choice of material results in a smooth and clacky auditory experience, resonating with users seeking a tactile feedback that stands out. Conversely, the Red Panda employs polycarbonate for its top housing, known for delivering a sharper and clearer sound profile due to its stiffness. The translucency of polycarbonate also allows for enhanced RGB lighting effects, distinguishing itself aesthetically. While both materials aim to provide high performance in switches, the Elf's POK material tends to emphasize smoothness, whereas the Red Panda's polycarbonate leans toward clarity and brightness in sound.
In terms of bottom housing, both the Huano Elf and the Outemu Red Panda opt for nylon, a classic choice that shapes their overall auditory profiles similarly. Nylon is characteristically softer, which results in a deeper and fuller sound when typing, as it absorbs more sound compared to its harder counterparts. This shared material for the bottom housing means that both switches will provide a rounder and more muted sound profile upon bottoming out, resulting in a consistent experience in tactile feedback. The use of nylon in both models highlights the manufacturers' recognition of the desirability of that particular sound quality, further emphasizing the importance of housing material in creating a satisfying typing experience.
While the top housings differ and cater to distinct sound aesthetics, the shared use of nylon as the bottom housing material creates a bridge between the two switches. This leads to the conclusion that, while the Huano Elf focuses on smoothness and durability with its POK top, combined with nylon’s characteristic depth, the Outemu Red Panda seeks to enhance clarity through polycarbonate without sacrificing the rich sound profiles afforded by nylon below. Ultimately, both switches provide unique yet harmonious experiences, stemming from their individual choices of top housing while converging on the benefits of nylon at the bottom, illustrating how material choice can shape not only performance but personal preference in mechanical switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Huano Elf linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, there are notable differences that cater to different user preferences. The Elf features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams, which may appeal to those who favor a softer touch for longer typing sessions, especially during work or gaming marathons. However, the Elf’s bottom out force is unavailable, making it difficult to assess how it compares with the Red Panda. In contrast, the Red Panda has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a definitive bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a more substantial feel that some users may prefer for a tactile typing experience. Consequently, the Huano Elf is the lighter option, while the Outemu Red Panda is the heavier switch, making them suitable for different typing styles and preferences.
Travel distance
The travel distances of the Huano Elf linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch differ, with the Elf measuring 3.6 mm and the Red Panda at 3.3 mm. This makes the Red Panda the shorter option, offering a slightly more responsive feel that many gamers prefer for quicker actions. On the other hand, the Elves' longer travel distance can provide a more substantial typing experience, which some users may find desirable for a deeper tactile engagement. Thus, if you favor faster response times, the Red Panda could be the better choice, while those who appreciate a more pronounced depth might lean towards the Huano Elf. Overall, the differences in travel distance provide distinct advantages depending on user preferences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Huano Elf has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Elf for $3.29.
The Outemu Red Panda comes in at $3.40 per 10 switches.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
In terms of sound, the Huano Elf switch offers a deep sound signature that is further enhanced by its POK top housing, promoting acoustics that resonate well during typing. The sound profile is characterized by a rich, deep quality that provides a pleasant auditory feedback with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda switch presents a unique sound profile with a combination of a bassier, raindrop-like bottom-out sound and a clackier, higher-pitched top-out sound. This duality creates a more dynamic auditory experience, blending deeper tones with pronounced, crisp highs.
When it comes to feel, the Elf switch is known for its medium-light actuation force, making it suitable for users seeking a manageable typing experience that remains satisfying without being overly taxing. The smooth linear nature of the Elf provides a seamless keypress journey from top to bottom. Conversely, the Red Panda switch is tactile, offering a light-medium amount of tactility that allows for a more defined feedback during typing. This mild tactility makes the Red Panda approachable, as it strikes a balance between feedback and smoothness, appealing to a wide range of typists.
Overall, while the Huano Elf and Outemu Red Panda switches present distinct auditory and tactile characteristics, both options cater to different preferences. Those who appreciate a rich, deep sound may gravitate towards the Elf, while users seeking a blend of tactile feedback and dynamic sound may find the Red Panda more appealing. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on whether you prioritize sound depth, tactility, or a combination of both in your typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Huano Elf linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, your personal preferences and typing style will greatly influence your choice. If you lean towards a smooth, linear feel and prioritize a lighter typing experience, the Huano Elf may be your best bet. Its unique POK top housing enhances acoustics, offering a deep sound signature that many users find satisfying, even if the exact bottom-out force is unspecified. This makes the Elf an excellent choice for gamers and typists who enjoy a consistent stroke without tactile feedback that can interrupt flow. Conversely, if you appreciate a gentle tactile experience with a noticeable but not overwhelming bump, the Outemu Red Panda will align more closely with your needs. Its medium bottom-out force of 60 grams strikes a balance that offers both comfort and responsiveness, while the thocky sound profile provides a rich auditory satisfaction that is ideal for those who enjoy an engaging typing experience. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you seek smoothness and sound with the Elf or a mild tactile sensation with the engaging acoustics of the Red Panda.
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